Tributes pour in for Pellegrini’s terror victim
Melbourne institution Pellegrini’s has been inundated with tributes from the public after owner Sisto Malaspina was killed in the Bourke St terror attack on the weekend.
Seventy-four-year-old Malaspina was slain by knife wielding Hassan Khalif Shire Ali, who had set fire to a four-wheel drive laden with gas cylinders before going on a stabbing spree.
Hundreds of people have queued outside the café to pay their respects to Malaspina, who died only 100m from the café he had dedicated his life to since setting it up in the 1970s.
Messages and flowers to the family stretched around the corner onto Crossley Street. One message read: “There’s a hole in Melbourne’s heart now that you’re gone”.
An immigrant Italian, Malaspina had run the business for 40 years building up a fierce loyalty from his staff who wrote a poignant tribute for a man they described as their “best boss”.
“Thank you for making us staff members as part of your life,” it said.
“You always looked after us like family.
“You always said to have fun at work because we all worked so hard.
“Pellegrini was your life, we will never forget all that you have done and given us.
“We will love you forever and ever in our hearts.
“Rest in peace.”
Malaspina’s family is considering the offer of a state funeral.
Sheridan Randall, 12th November 2018
